In October 2018, Deb Fredericks was given the news nobody wants to hear. You have cancer. She only became aware when what both doctor and dentist believed to initially be an abscess in her top jaw failed to respond to antibiotics so was sent for further tests. It turned out to be a rare form of sinus cancer. Unable to continue working doing the job she loves at a special needs school, she at least had the temporary financial security of a years sick pay, albeit at a gradually reducing rate.

Debs began her treatment of chemotherapy, which did temporarily reduce the size of the tumour but after each cycle it would begin growing again. The chemo made her sick and her immune system was so low she needed a blood transfusion to boost it for the radiotherapy planned in January. So began a 6 week intensive course, having the radiation blasted at her face on a daily basis whilst being clamped to the table in a full head mask. Just for good measure, she simultaneously continued with a weekly chemo session to give her the best chance to beat it.

The radiation exposure caused her skin to burn, destroyed her saliva glands leaving her mouth swollen and full of painful ulcers that prevented her from eating or drinking, so a tube was fitted down her nose straight into her stomach so that liquid nutrition could be pumped in. It was the hardest thing she had ever endured, and did complete the full course as an outpatient. Just two days later though her hugely diminished immune system allowed her to develop sepsis and she was rushed to hospital for life saving intervention. Once that was under control, it was time to wait.

It is a strange thing to not visit the hospital for 3 months after being there everyday, but that is how long it takes the body to recover from the radiotherapy. The tumour had definitely shrunk, and Deb could actually feel pieces of the dead tissue falling off inside her mouth, so everyone was hopeful it had all been worth the pain and suffering. Towards the end of that 3 month wait though, there were visible signs that the cancer was back and more aggressive than ever.

A scan confirmed her fears. Despite her best attempt to beat it the tumour was back and growing quickly. There was an agonising two week wait as doctors decided whether it was operable or whether it was too late. It would all depend on how far back into the skull it reached. It was welcome news when the surgeons said they could operate. However, this would come at great sacrifice, as it involved removing the left half of her top jaw, cheek and alarmingly a perfectly good eye. Her face would need to be reconstructed using bone, muscle and blood supply transplanted from her own shoulder, leaving her with limited mobility in her left arm also.

It’s not an easy thing to agree to having half of your face removed. But when the alternative is certain death it makes that decision a lot simpler. Deb still has things she wants to do. She wants to see her kids graduate and marry. She wants to see her grandchildren when they come along, she eventually wants to spend a happy retirement with her husband of 24 years, but first she want to be able to return to the job she is so passionate about.

Deb had the surgery in July. A major operation that lasted almost thirteen hours. She spent a couple of days in intensive care but then made great progress and was discharged after only 8 days, apparently a hospital record for someone having undergone that particular surgery. That is Deb. A proactive person determined to get well the quickest way how. But she now needs help. Recovery for this surgery is generally around 6-7 months. Knowing her it will be sooner, but her pay stops soon, and there are bills to pay in the meantime. Debs husband Dave is a member of a star wars charitable costume club so is no stranger to raising money for charitable causes. He works as a firefighter and also makes models and mows lawns for extra money but it simply isn’t enough to cover the outgoings each month whilst Deb recovers until she is able to return to work.

Dave Fredericks.

This is where we step in and try to raise as money as we can to help! Anything you can spare is much appreciated ❤️

Through all of this Deb is still managing a smile 😊